When I like a stamp set I always check to see if there’s a coordinating set of dies, especially if they’re offered in a discounted bundle. But when I saw the Blossoming Happiness Dies I knew I’d get them regardless. The draw for me was the two edge dies. One adds a line of small circles in the style of a spiral bound page. The other has a series of small slots like a comb bound page. Today’s project uses that second die to create a filmstrip featuring cute hippos.

FILMSTRIP ACTION

I started this project with the main part of the design, that filmstrip base. I began by cutting a 2″ x 6″ piece of Basic Black Card. Then, starting at one end of the card strip, I lined up the comb binding die with one long edge so that only the slots would be cut. After running the card and die through my Cut & Emboss Machine I moved the die so it could cut the rest of that first side. This was easier as I could ‘lock’ a few of the slot sections of the die into the holes already cut in the card. With one side of the card complete, I repeated the process and cut slots along the other side.

Now to turn the strip into a bookmark I needed to punch a hole at the top. I could have used the slot option on the Very Best Trio Punch but thought adding a slot across the filmstrip would be confusing. Instead I marked the centre of the short end and punched out a small hole using the Label Me Fancy Punch.

You can see how I use the Label Me Fancy Punch in this short technique video:

Next I cut two 6″ pieces of Very Vanilla twine from the Baker’s Twine Essentials Pack. After threading them through the hole I tied them together with a simple knot close to the card.

All I had to do now was create the images for the filmstrip.

HIPPEST HIPPOS

I decided that the Hippest Hippos Stamp Set would be perfect for my filmstrip. So using Tuxedo Black ink I stamped the three hippos onto some Very Vanilla Card. Then I began to colour them in using Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers.

There was no reason these couldn’t be colour ‘photos’ but I decided to stick with a black and white theme. Of course what I really needed was shades of grey and so chose both the Smoky Slate and Gray Granite markers. The difference between the two greys is subtle but I’d describe Gray Granite as having a warmer (almost beige) undertone. This is most noticeable on the ballet skirt.

Having finished colouring I thought the area around the hippos was too clean and bright. So I used a Blending Brush to add a very light touch of Gray Granite ink around the hippos.

Now I was ready to cut them out and I reached for the Mini Pocket Envelope Dies. When I’d used these dies previously I noticed one that would be perfect for photo booth photos. Today when I checked the size I realised it could make great negatives too. Even though the hippo images were larger than the die it really didn’t matter. Using the die I framed the part of each image that I wanted and then die-cut them out one-by-one.

With the three images ready I used Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) to attach them to the bookmark base and my filmstrip was complete.

I have to say that I love how this project came together. Next time though I’d cut the base piece 2″ x 6-1/4″. This would allow me extra room to space out the images a little more. I can see this filmstrip effect on the front of a card perhaps with other character images, or even a selection of flowers. It would also be perfect on a scrapbook page with actual photos taking the place of the stamped images. What do you think?

To see the ‘spiral bound’ edge die I mentioned, check out my earlier blog post Another adventure with Campology.

PRODUCT LIST

SALE-A-BRATION – The Hippest Hippos Stamp Set (and coordinating Hippo Dies – not used today) are only available to customers until August 31st (while stocks last). However, like all Sale-A-Bration products these will not be available to buy, but can be earned for free simply by placing a qualifying order. The stamp set and dies are offered separately with each one requiring a $60 spend (before shipping and taxes). So if you want both, simply place two $60 orders or one $120 order and select them when prompted during checkout.

BUNDLE BONUS – I bought the Blossoming Happiness Dies in a bundle with the coordinating Happiness Abounds Stamp Set (not used today). Buying these two items using a single ‘bundle’ item number saved me 10% off the cost of buying them separately. I’ve included a link to the bundle in case you want to explore this option.